After suffering devastating Israeli airstrikes that dismantled key military leadership and shattered nuclear infrastructure, the Iranian regime is now pleading for renewed negotiations.
However, Iran is also insisting that the United States is not involved.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Tehran has signaled through Arab intermediaries that it is open to peace talks with both Israel and the U.S., but only if Washington refrains from joining Israel’s offensive strikes.
The plea comes after Israel’s June 12 surprise assault left the Islamic Republic reeling and exposed.
President Donald Trump, who confirmed the reports Monday, didn’t mince words.
“Yeah, they’d like to talk, but they should have done that before,” Trump told reporters.
“I had sixty days, and they had sixty days, and on the 61st day, I said ‘we don’t have a deal.’
“They have to make a deal,” Trump said.
“It’s painful for both parties, but I’d say Iran is not winning this war.
“And they should talk, and they should talk immediately before it’s too late.”
Trump’s comments follow one of the most significant military operations in the Middle East in years.
Israel achieved near-total air superiority over Tehran, striking deep into Iranian territory in a precision operation that killed key Iranian military figures and severely damaged nuclear facilities.
While Iran retaliated with missile barrages, Israel’s Iron Dome and multi-layered missile defense systems intercepted most of the incoming fire, sparing the country major damage, even as civilians spent the weekend darting into bomb shelters amid air raid sirens.
An Arab official told the WSJ that Iran understands the U.S. is already backing Israel behind the scenes.
“The Iranians know the U.S. is supporting Israel in its defense, and they are sure the U.S. is supporting Israel logistically,” the official said.
“But they want guarantees the U.S. won’t join the attacks.”
Despite Iran’s conditions, Trump is keeping all options on the table.
When asked Sunday by ABC News’ Rachel Scott whether the U.S. might take offensive action, Trump responded:
“It’s possible,” while noting that, for now, America is not involved.
“We’re not involved in it,” he said.
“It’s possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved.”
Israel, meanwhile, is showing no signs of backing down.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes will continue for “as long as it takes” to ensure Iran’s nuclear ambitions are permanently dismantled.
“We will not allow a regime that openly calls for our destruction to possess weapons of mass murder,” Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting.
“This is a fight for survival.”
While Iran scrambles diplomatically, Russia is inserting itself into the fray, offering to mediate peace talks.
Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly held a one-hour phone call Sunday to discuss the possibility of restarting negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program.
It comes after Iran’s leaders were given chance after chance to negotiate in good faith.
Now, only after losing their strategic upper hand, they’re scrambling to reset the board, hoping America stays sidelined while Israel wipes out their nuclear infrastructure.
Trump’s message to Iran is clear: Talk now or face the consequences.
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